American Idol: Season 7 Top 3

Ryan finally puts my finger on why I hate Syesha. He introduces high school student David, bartender other David, and...actress Syesha. Sigh. Is there any way she's making the top two? We shall see!

Each Idol is singing three songs -- one picked by the judges, one by themselves, and one from the producers.

JUDGES' CHOICES

David Archuleta: "And So It Goes" by Billy Joel, picked by Paula. He hears the news from the mayor of Murray, Utah, who has an amazing moustache and american flag shirt. I doubt David knew this song, but it's a pretty good call. He sings the opening a capella, and displays a great amount of restraint and skill -- it's just pretty. Then the strings come in and test his pitch...spot on! Nice bit of emotion at the end, a very strong performance.

Randy says it was a dope song and he's in the zone. Paula calls it a pure and stunning performance. Simon thinks it was very good -- no surprises.

Syesha Mercado: Syesha gets a text in Texas from Randy telling her she's got to take on "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys. Ooh. This is asking for trouble. Alicia Keys is kind of at the top of her game, and has such a recognizable voice. This song is still new enough, that Syesha's version just feels like karaoke. She throws in a jazzy end, but it's a little bit off on a few notes.

Randy (of course) digs the song, and says she's peaking at the right time. Paula calls out how tough it is to sing such a well-known song. Simon agrees -- but says it sounded good and she looks amazing to boot.

David Cook: Big Dave gets a text from Simon while on Kansas City morning TV and hears from Simon he's singing "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack. Simon wanted to give him a chance to try something different. I don't know this song very well, but I doubt it felt this kind of emo and moody the first time around. I think this is the first time I've noticed what a nice vibrato David has. The song builds as more instrumentation comes in, ending at one big high note. Nice stuff!

Randy takes Simon's pick on and says he wanted it to rock more. Paula says ein minuten bitte -- this is about David, not Simon and Randy. Simon says it was one his David's best to date, and calls round one to "Cook and Cowell."

IDOL CHOICES

David Archuleta: "With You" by Chris Brown. I like that he picked something current, but he's kind of too whitebread for this song..."I need you boo"? Just off. And he fumbles a few lyrics in the beginning. But he sounds good. Just like, weird.

Randy says it was good, but not him. Paula says it was good to go with something young and she liked it. Simon compares David to a chihuahua trying to be a tiger.

Syesha Mercado chose "Fever" by Peggy Lee. So predictable and theatrical. And does she only wear sparkly things these days? She's performing the song with a sidekick...a classic wooden stage chair. Well if this isn't cabaret, I don't know what is. I mean, this song is super fun, I get that. But is this the American Idol? I'm not sure (and neither is audience member Emily van Camp).

Randy says it's an interesting choice, but sung well. Paula says it doesn't show her who Syesha is as an artist. Simon thinks she'll regret that decision tomorrow -- it made her look cabaret, instead of contemporary.

David Cook has selected "Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot. He accompanies himself on the guitar. The opening of the song sounds all off -- his lower voice is rough tonight. Maybe it's because he's doing so much belting! When he gets to "I dare you to move" he nails it, but at what cost, fans? At what cost?

Randy says it was a little pitchy. Paula thinks he couldn't get enough of the song into 1:30. Simon says it was predictable. Everyone had an okay middle round, which Simon awards to no one.

PRODUCERS' CHOICE

David Archuleta gets "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg. Aww, this is the David Archuleta we know -- not a boo in sight. It's a stool performance, so Simon doesn't have to worry about any awkward dancing either. This is a good, albeit safe choice for him. He sounds great as always, and hits a nice high note at the end with ease. He should be in the top 2.

Randy isn't crazy about the choice, but thinks the vocals were hot. Paula says it was very lovely. Simon thinks he sang the song well, but it's a horrible gooey song.

Take that, Nigel Lythgoe!

Syesha Mercado's third and final opportunity to win me over tonight? With Gia Farrell's "Hit Me Up." It's all right. A little stiff in the beginning. Fun, and sung well, but a bit hollow.

Randy says "Uhh..you know? Just ok for me." Paula thinks she did the song well, but it doesn't really say who she is -- and it may not be enough. Simon says it was a bit forgettable and doesn't give her a defining moment at the end of the show.

David Cook is up last with Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." He's definitely losing his voice -- you can hear it in the lower notes where he's not pushing it. That sais, he sounds really nice on this song -- better than the middle one. And out of all the song choices from the producers, this is probably the best one. Great crescendo into the chorus (love the call and response yeah, and then the surprise phrasing on "dream of you"). Winner of the night, obvs!

Randy loved the song, but it was just okay. Paula says see ya in the finals. Simon says he loves the song, and David Cook wins the night.

All right guys. Final time. I am (once again) predicting Syesha goe home. Because if she doesn't this week it will truly be tragic. Come on now.